Henkel at JEC World 2016: To Exhibit Surfacing Films for Aero Composite Materials

Published on 2016-03-04. Author :
SpecialChem

At the upcoming JEC World 2016, Henkel (Hall 6, Booth J31) will exhibit a portfolio of products and applications for its aerospace customers, including lightweight surfacing films for composite materials that offer a smooth, aerodynamic surface and advanced protection against lightning strikes. Henkel will also display a full range of innovations for the automotive industry.

Fig. 1: Henkel

At JEC, Henkel will be showcasing its lightweight Loctite EA 9845 Aero surfacing films. The films can be co-cured with epoxy based composite prepregs at 120-175°C, and provide excellent surface finish under autoclave and even vacuum only cure. The surfacing and lightning strike versions of these films protect the underlying composite materials, have enhanced environmental resistance to UV and paint stripper exposure.

Loctite EA 9845SF Aero can provide up to 30% weight savings compared to current surfacing films. With Loctite EA 9845SF Aero a reduction in manufacturing cost and process time is seen through the elimination of filling and sanding steps during surface preparation.

Fig. 2: JEC World 2016

“This product is designed to improve the surface quality of honeycomb-stiffened composite parts, and offers a durable, paintable surface with minimal paint preparation” according to Bjorn Ballien, Henkel’s EMEA Business Development Manager Aerospace.

Loctite EA 9845LC Aero, meanwhile, is capable of providing the same high quality surface finishing with the lightning-strike protection. This film includes lightweight, expanded copper or aluminum mesh for maximum electrical conductivity and protection of aircraft composite parts.

The use of an integrated lightning strike solution reduces the number of materials to be inventoried and provides manufacturing cost reduction. As with the surfacing films the Loctite EA 9845LC Aero lightning strike materials provide excellent surface finish when cured under autoclave or vacuum only conditions. The lightning strike films are available in a variety of film and foil weights to meet the requirements of different lightning strike zones on the aircraft.

On Wednesday March 9, at 2.00 p.m. Emilie Barriau, Product Development Director at Henkel, will deliver a technical presentation in Hall 5A about a new generation of surfacing films for composite applications on aircraft structures.

About Henkel

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business units: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions, both in the consumer and in the industrial businesses, with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of 18.1 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of 2.9 billion euros in fiscal 2015. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.